Argyris Pedoulakis seemed very pleased in the improvement Panathinaikos developed in many aspects of the preseason clash against Astana, in his post-game comments.
“We improved certain things in our game. We had our good moments, are defense functioned correctly, but we are still trailing in certain departments. It is only natural. We also aspire to get to see certain coaching details in these preseason games and spot our mistakes.
These games are like practice. That’s how it goes. They are coaching encounters in order for us to draw our conclusions in situations with the opponent team and what it is we must correct”, stressed initially the clover Head Coach.
As far as the Greek Cup encounter versus Rethymno and the Greek League premiere across from Olympiacos, he noted: “The game against Rethymno is different. The Greek Cup is an official institution. We will rotate our players in order to keep some of the guys fresher and we hope to improve every time. It is still early for us. We have been together only for five days and we will be focusing only on the game against Rethymno”.
As far as the new players’ adjustment, he underlined: “I am pleased with their desire. They are really trying hard. We are trailing in backcourt but it is a department in which we are still working in. We are pleased and we aspire for an improvement in defense.
It was our choice to go play on two big islands with a very strong Greek nature, in order to have our fans by our side and for them to see the team competing at such a level, something they do not have the opportunity to do. We are sure of the hospitality in both Cyprus and Crete. We are obligated to be focused since it is not the fans that are the ones to be playing. Our schedule is tough in the first round since we will be competing in many important encounters on the road”.
Fotsis: “Happy to be here”
From his side, Antonis Fotsis, who returned to the OAKA after a 2-year absence, stated: “I am very happy from minute one to be on the team. What I must do now is my business needed in order to assist Panathinaikos.
These games are not about the win alone. They are committed in order for us all to be able to find each other out on the floor. A long season lies ahead and we must be prepared because we are to meet up with tough opponents.
Time is never on our side. It’s all in a day’s work. It takes hard work at t a high level.
I do my job and try to assist my team. I am happy when I can contribute to the game”.
Finally, as far as the team’s new jerseys, he stressed: “Nice jersey. If the fans that see it like, then it’s fine by us”.
